Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, today laid out the government’s plans for the biggest overhaul of the UK’s asylum system in decades.
The New Plan for Immigration sets out the steps that the Government will take to:
- increase the fairness and efficacy of our system so that we can better protect and support those in genuine need of refuge;
- deter illegal entry into the UK, thereby breaking the business model of people smuggling networks and protecting the lives of those they endanger;
- remove more easily from the UK those with no right to be here.
Speaking after the announcement, Richard Fuller, MP for North East Bedfordshire said:
These reforms fulfil our manifesto commitments in the 2019 General Election and will go a long way in clamping down on the evil wrought by people smugglers that endanger lives. It will also stop the endless cycle of repetitive claims for asylum that have no merit but which can delay the processing of legitimate claims.
I broadly welcome the principle behind the plans but will be pressing the government to ensure that the new asylum system fulfils our country’s responsibilities and ambitions as a leading symbol of freedom and justice.
Today I asked the Home Secretary if her reforms will provide a fairer and more effective assessment of the cases of women asylum seekers, who often have been subjected to gender-based violence, forced marriage and rape as an instrument of war. I was encouraged by the Home Secretary’s response that this would be a feature of the new immigration plans and how it will better protect victims.
To take part in the consultation which runs until 6 May, visit this page.
Richard's question to the Home Secretary can be watched here.
